Best 2021 NFL breakout candidate from every team
By Randy Gurzi
Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks, Linebacker
Jordyn Brooks was a solid prospect coming out of Texas Tech last season and many expected him to be able to develop into a starting linebacker somewhere down the road. What wasn’t expected was for him to sneak into the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
That’s what ended up happening when the Seattle Seahawks took him at No. 27 overall, but that’s kind of become the norm for Seattle. They have been reaching in the first round for a while but they make up for that with solid moves in the rounds that follow.
As for their reaches, it’s not often they hit. Rashaad Penny has yet to live up to his status and L.J. Collier has just three sacks in two seasons after they took the TCU defensive end at No. 29 in 2019. As for Brooks, he seems as though he will end up working out, which makes reaching for him not feel so bad.
During his rookie campaign, Brooks started six games while playing in 14. He recorded 57 tackles and broke up two passes, showing enough for the Seahawks to feel comfortable letting K.J. Wright walk. Now slated to start this season, Brooks could be a player to watch as he tries to take the next step in his development.